The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will be upgrading the Old Hospital Park in Montego Bay, St. James from December 8, 2009 until April, 2010 for use as a public recreational space.

The contract which is valued at  $J29.6M will see at completion, the establishment of administrative and sanitary amenities, gazebo, viewing pavilion, open green space, perimeter fencing, walkways, seating and improved lighting.

The Old Hospital Park project is being financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund with Lawson’s Construction Ltd. as the contractors. The National Solid Waste Management Authority will be responsible for the hard and soft landscaping portion of the works.

The upgrading of the Old Hospital Park was envisioned as part of the Greater Montego Bay Redevelopment Plan (GMRP), through which the need was identified to develop lands along the Montego Bay Waterfront in keeping with the requirements for a green space, relevant to the needs of both residents and visitors to one of our island’s most popular resort strips.

Montego Bay was designated a priority development area by the UDC in 1970.  The redevelopment plan was directed toward easing the city’s traffic congestion; implementing a planned urban expansion programme and alleviating overcrowded housing conditions. In 1972, Montego Bay was declared a UDC project area with plans being put in place for the reclamation of more than 60 acres inclusive of three new beaches, improved recreational and resort facilities, and room for urban expansion